UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs De Ridder 7/26/2025

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Prelims Main Card

Preview

The UFC returns to the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi for UFC on ABC 9: Whittaker vs. de Ridder, featuring a compelling Middleweight showdown between former UFC champion Robert Whittaker and the hot-rising submission specialist Reinier de Ridder—a bout that could serve as a title eliminator depending on its outcome. Whittaker looks to bounce back from a devastating loss to Khamzat Chimaev, including major dental injuries, while de Ridder arrives undefeated in three UFC fights and eager to cement his place among the top contenders. The co-main event features former bantamweight champion Petr Yan against promotional newcomer Marcus McGhee, another high-stakes bout with implications in the 135‑lb division. ([turn0search22], [turn0search1], [turn0news10], [turn0news19])

Date & Location

  • Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
  • Venue: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
  • Broadcast: Prelims on ESPN/ESPN+ at 12 p.m. ET; Main card on ABC/ESPN+ at 3 p.m. ET ([turn0search22], [turn0search3], [turn0news10])

Match Card

Main Card (ABC/ESPN+, 5×5 rounds) – Middle East time zone (GMT+4):

  • Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder – Middleweight main event (5 rounds) ([turn0search22])
  • Petr Yan vs. Marcus McGhee – Bantamweight co-main (3 rounds) ([turn0search3], [turn0news19])
  • Shara Magomedov vs. Marc‑Andre Barriault – Middleweight (3 rounds) ([turn0news19])
  • Nikita Krylov vs. Bogdan Guskov – Light Heavyweight (3 rounds) ([turn0news19])
  • Bryce Mitchell vs. Said Nurmagomedov – Bantamweight (3 rounds) ([turn0search3])

Prelims (ESPN/ESPN+):

  • Amanda Ribas vs. Tabatha Ricci – Women’s Strawweight
  • Da’Mon Blackshear vs. Davey Grant – Bantamweight
  • Muslim Salikhov vs. Carlos Leal – Welterweight
  • Ibo Aslan vs. Billy Elekana – Light Heavyweight
  • Mohammad Yahya vs. Steven Nguyen – Featherweight
  • Martin Buday vs. Marcus Buchecha – Heavyweight debutoccasional grappler profiles ([turn0search3], [turn0news10])

Conclusion

  • Main Event: Robert Whittaker, rebounding from his previous submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev and serious dental injuries, aims to reestablish his standing against the undefeated submission ace Reinier de Ridder. A win could reposition him in the middleweight title conversation, while a loss could elevate de Ridder toward a top-ten ranking—or even a title shot later in 2025. ([turn0news12], [turn0news13], [turn0news19])
  • Co‑Main: Petr Yan returns as a former bantamweight champ with his sights set on redemption, while rising prospect Marcus McGhee seeks a breakout win. The fight carries career-defining stakes for both men. ([turn0news19])
  • Undercard Highlights: Shara Magomedov looks to bounce back from his first pro loss; Bryce Mitchell steps into bantamweight contention; and debutant Marcus “Buchecha” faces heavyweight Martin Buday—each contributing to a deep, action-packed match slate. The overall card balances crossover veterans and rising debutants across weight classes.